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kt1123
climber
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Oct 28, 2006 - 04:26pm PT
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To the Skinner Family,
I am not a member of the climbing community but I met Todd at the Inc. 500 conference over four years ago in Albuquerque where he was a headliner speaker. I was so moved by his talk and presentation that I waited in line for nearly an hour just to shake his hand and chat with him for a few minutes.
I believe Todd is being laid to rest today and wanted to let you how saddened I was to learn on Tuesday of his tragic passing and to express my condolences to you, especially his father, wife and children. In addition to being a world class climber, Todd was an excellent communicator and first and foremost a world class individual. His ability to relate his climbing experiences, specifically his first free ascent of Trango Tower, to business world challenges was truly magical. His attitude, enthusiasm and yes, energy, were infectious. I know he touched the lives of thousands through his motivational speeches and presentations.
I know nothing I say can bring much comfort at a time like this, but I know that the world is truly a better place because of the life of your son, husband and father. You can be certain that in the place where Todd is now he is the same incredible individual that he was in this life and that he will be that person to you and to others for eternity. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kenny Thomas
Reno, NV
kennyt1123@yahoo.com
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Lezlie Lehmann
Trad climber
Van Nuys, Ca.
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Oct 28, 2006 - 04:46pm PT
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Dear Family and Compadres of Todd,
Hans & I cannot be with you in the flesh today, but wanted you to know how we are celebrating Todd on his 48th birthday. We woke up this morning and said "Howdy" to Todd & Paul lassoing the Salathe and "Climbing Wildly,"on our bedroom wall as they do every morning of every day.
We have been checking this site for posts several times daily since we heard of our hero's flight from earth. I have shed countless tears daily and been touched and gladdened by my own flashes of Todd as well as by those that have been shared here this week.
And though I thought I had posted all the photos we had ever taken of Todd, it wasn't until a few moments ago, that we remembered we had color shots of Todd and Beth, the first day we met them at Index, Wash. while he was attempting to free "City Park," the first 5.13C. We have a photo album of the year of our Excellent No. American Rockin' Tour with Todd and crew, and there in all his goofy grinnin' glory is our "Golden Boy," donning his pink tank, scruffy hair, baggy pants, wearing a rack of RPs, and one of the first TCUs (ever) clipped onto a swami belt with no leg loops, and not a cam in sight.
It was June 29th, 1985, the 30th anniversary of my birth, and dawn of the birth of my role as a rock climber. Surely, the best gift of the day was meeting Todd - moreso, it is the gift of a lifetime, the kind that keeps on giving, as his passion, positivity and enduring inspiration light my path with his Spirit of Play, his everlasting wisdom, and his heart of Gold. I haven’t actually seen him in more than a decade, and yet he has come up in conversation all these years as though we’d just hung out with him yesterday. We have had subscriptions to “Climbing” and “Rock & Ice” since 1986, and every single month I open them up to see what’s up with Todd, always hoping he’s still out there blazing new trails and having a blast.
We are with you, Amy, Jake, Hanna, Sarah, Todd's Dad, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews and friends near and far. We grieve for your immeasurable loss, we grieve for our own loss of a man who rocked our world, encouraged us to be better beings by example, to pursue our passion, and be true to ourselves to the very ends of the earth and for all time, to simply enjoy the good life.
Here are the photos of a Scruffy, hatless cowboy, with a lopsided grin and the trademark mischievous spark in his baby blues, bold and brave and as true and wise and kind and funny as the day is long and the life that is tragically cut short for a man who deserves so much more of everything…
To Todd, who showed us that although freedom is the pinnacle we all strive to reach, it is the approach we take, the tools we carry and the effort we make to be the best that we can be as we arrive at the base of each day that determines whether we are truly free.
Take flight and take comfort, Todd, in knowing your wings are buoyed with our love and our Blessings
P.S. I hope that posts of todays celebration of Todd's remarkable life will appear here,later, so those of us who could not be with you can feel like we were via your thoughts and feelings. With heartfelt thanks and Blessings to you all - Lezlie
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brien
Trad climber
clinton, ct
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Oct 28, 2006 - 05:05pm PT
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My sincere condolences to everyone who knew and cared for the man. I never met Todd, never knew him. He was the face and voice on a half a dozen videos that i would watch when i first began to climb back here in Ct. He made it seem like fun. It was. His influence goes far beyond those who knew him. No doubt some of the joy and enthusiasm i get from climbing today was passed on from him.
brien
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Brooks Alldredge
Trad climber
Cedar Crest, New Mexico
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Oct 28, 2006 - 05:51pm PT
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I met Todd only once and have never forgotten it. He was conducting a clinic during the open house for City Rock Gym in California 16 years ago. I was just learning to climb and was in awe. While many of the invited climbing legends who attended appeared bored with the whole affair, Todd patiently spoke with everyone there with sincere enthusiasm and interest. He asked me what I had done - at the time, very little, I answered with embarassment - yet he was interested in where I had learned and the few beginning routes I had done. He was genuinely funny, warm, engaging, humble, and the best climbing teacher I've ever had. To this day, I remind myself of advice he gave me way back then and often teach it to others.
In a time when it seems that many people choose to interact only with those that can somehow further themselves, Todd didn't. While he will be remembered by many as one of the greatest climbers of our generation, I will simply remember his as a generous and kind soul - something that is rarer and more precious than any athletic accomplishment.
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Marieke & Ryan
climber
VA
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Oct 28, 2006 - 06:55pm PT
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Amy, Hannah, Sarah & Jake
We have all been blessed in different ways by knowing Todd. We, as climbers, have been inspired, motivated, re-energized, and challenged through all the adventures and long dinner conversations we have had with him. But, you must know that he has left his best qualities within you. Amy, you (like Todd) have a strength and passion about life and a kindness in your heart that can radiate and comfort people all around you. Hannah, you carry your dad's playfulness, his laughter, and his sense of humor. Sarah, you carry your dad's thoughtfullness, his nature to think and plan out every detail, and his gentleness. And Jake, you carry his strength, determination and lovable cowboy nature. But all of you have that same brightness in your eyes that welcomes everyone and makes them feel at home. Thank-you for who you are!
We love you so much
Marieke & Ryan Culby
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lahll
Sport climber
TUCSON, ARIZONA
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Oct 28, 2006 - 10:00pm PT
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I dont know what to say. I heard only today via word of mouth. I met Todd at Hueco Tanks over 25 years ago? If someone would please tell Amy I'm so sorry. I dont know what else to say.
From; Les Harmon, once a climbing partner of them both.
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SteveJ
Sport climber
Bolton, MA
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Oct 29, 2006 - 07:54am PT
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Here is Todd summer 2005. He is enjoying a video of friends bouldering well.
to Amy, Hannah, Sarah and Jake--we only spent a few days with you all but the memories are strong. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sam, Paul, Steve Johnston
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Jeremy Samson
Trad climber
South Africa
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Oct 29, 2006 - 11:11am PT
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My sincere condolences to Amy and the family. I met Todd in Cape Town , South Africa and travelled around my home country amazed at all the opportunites for climbing he saw here. His inspiration created Rocklands and his vision saw our hardest route at the time , Jabberwocky. ( 32 )
He inspired climbers here to believe in themselves and helped enable us to climb on a par with some of the best.
When I travelled to the USA in '92 he went 4 hours out of his way to pick me up, and greeted me like I was family.
Really brilliant guy, able to mix with anyone and leave them feeling inspired about life.
So sad he is gone,
with love from all the South African climbers.
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Rob001
climber
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Oct 29, 2006 - 11:12am PT
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I first heard about Todd back in 1996. I had just discovered climbing at Vedauwoo in Wyoming. I emersed myself into every book I could find to read about Todd & Paul. They were truly inspiring individuals to a novice climber. I knew right away these two were "larger than life".
I was fortunate enough to see one of Todd's slide shows at the ICF in 97 or 98. His stories and adventures were quite entertaining. I thought this guy was a mythical climbing god!
I had the chance to meet Paul several years later and would run into him at Sinks from time to time and speak briefly to him. I regret never having the chance to meet Todd. He was truly a talented human being.
You will be missed Todd, God bless
Rob Kepley
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no_one
Social climber
Hurricane, Utah
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Oct 29, 2006 - 11:54am PT
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Wow, what a man Todd Is!
I do not know Todd but have been hearing his name for nearly 12 years now. Reading these thoughts from all you family and friends of Todd is way inspiring! I am a father of 3, a husband and a climber, and now have another hero to chase!
Thanks for sharing these personal thought. I hope that when my adventure hear on earth is over I will have proven to be a man deserving of such love from my family, friends and community!
Thanks Todd, someday we'll meet, keep inspiring brother!
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Joan Reynar
climber
Mt. Charleston, Nv
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Oct 29, 2006 - 12:06pm PT
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Our sincerest condolences to the entire family.
Amy, our thoughts and prayers go particularily to you and the children.
We love you.
Bill and Joan Reynar
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Trad climber
Portland, Or
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Oct 29, 2006 - 12:55pm PT
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Tears...
Dang, I don't like it when my Heroes die.
Rest in peace.
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h2oman
climber
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Oct 29, 2006 - 05:16pm PT
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I just visited with my parents in Casper for the first time since Todd's death. You know how some times you can predict where something is going. She told me how sorry she was and then started in: "You know I still remember..." Yeah, I know mom... "when I went out into the kitchen one morning to fix breakfast and there's this guy peering in the window at me!" Yeah, that's my friend Todd, mom... "I think he had to go to the bathroom or something - he'd been out there camped in the back yard all night."
Of course he charmed her, and let me tell you - that ain't so easy with my mom when you work outside her system, like showing up in the window unexpectedly at 7 AM! As we've seen here, Todd's infectious enthusiasm touched people well outside the climbing community. Almost everyone he met was someone to share a laugh with.
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Kelly Bretta
climber
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Oct 29, 2006 - 05:29pm PT
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I heard Paul’s interview on Weekend Edition on NPR this morning. I heard the conversation and it caught my immediate attention. Without knowing it was Paul speaking, I knew by his words the Todd he was talking about had to be Todd Skinner. By the end of the interview, when I found out it was Todd, I was deeply sadden for all who knew him.
I met Todd through Climbing Industry trade shows nearly 20 years ago. He was a featured speaker and guest of many equipment suppliers and retailers. I had the pleasure of dining with Todd and his comrades on several occasions and recall how I enjoyed those meals. Todd was infectious; he just made you happy you were around him. I remember him to be extremely witty and very funny. He told amazing stories.
I offer my sincere condolences to his wife and children, his family and friends.
Kelly Bretta
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DAT
climber
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Oct 29, 2006 - 08:22pm PT
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Link to NPR audio stream:
Weekend Edition Saturday, October 28, 2006 · Rock climber Todd Skinner fell to his death Monday in Yosemite Park. He found fame in 1988 after scaling the 3,600-foot Salathe Wall on Yosemite's El Capitan. Paul Piana, who joined Skinner on the 1988 climb, tells Scott Simon about his friend.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6397277
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bobbib
Sport climber
boulder,co
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Oct 29, 2006 - 08:24pm PT
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Hello Fellow Climbers,
I have just come home from attending an amazing memorial service for Todd Skinner. It was full-on Wyoming style--outside, close to Sinks Canyon, complete w/the light of the moon, a clear sky, slideshow, bonfire, fantastik food, and over 500 friends and family from all over the country. It was a party, a celebration of Todd. Yesturday, October 28th, was the actual birthday of Todd. Candles were lit on two giant birthday cakes and we all sang Happy Birthday. A profound moment for sure.
It was so obvious how much he was admired and loved by all that knew him. Many got up and spoke of the good times w/Todd."God damn your eyes!" was brought up, and so many more 'Toddism's'.
Seeing his wife, the beautiful Amy Whistler, and his three kids, Hannah, Jake, and Sara brought tears to my eyes. I hadn't seen Todd, the family, or Lander in over 5 years. Life moves in mysterious ways and now, having two little girls of my own, time easily got away from me.
Todd was in my life for 26 years. I first met him in 1980 in Joshua Tree, then again in Hueco. We became friends for life, traveling and climbing all over the U.S. and Europe. He was instumental in many of my climbing accomplishments, always knowing in his heart of hearts that I could do anything I set my mind to do. And this he did to so many people in his life. If you go to www.toddskinner.com there is a Memorial Fund set up for his family. Please donate, its such a good cause.
One thing I have learned from Todd's death, is to try and not let to much time go by without seeing those who are dear. I am kicking myself now for letting this time fly by and not seeing Todd sooner.
Bobbi Bensman
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Lezlie Lehmann
Trad climber
Van Nuys, Ca.
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Oct 29, 2006 - 09:41pm PT
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Thank you, Bobbi, for sharing your heartfelt experience of Todd's memorial/life celebration yesterday, especially since we couldn't be there to bid him farewell. And I totally understand what you are feeling...
All the Best to You & Yours,
Lezlie Lehmann
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lojones
Social climber
Oakland, CA
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Oct 29, 2006 - 10:48pm PT
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To Scott W.
Scott, I conducted my own memorial by sailing west past the gate until the sun had disappeared below the waves. I thought about you ;and the family. More hugs to everyone there, especially for amy and her children. love, larry
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lojones
Social climber
Oakland, CA
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Oct 29, 2006 - 10:52pm PT
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could someone post some photos from the memorial on this forum? thanks
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Ben Saunders
Mountain climber
London, UK
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Oct 30, 2006 - 05:28am PT
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I never met Todd, but as a climber (and indeed as a speaker and writer) he was someone that I'd looked up to for a long time.
Tragic news. Rest in peace, Todd.
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